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Fire threat on the rise

The forest fire hazard is climbing in the far northern sectors of the Northwest Region under sunny conditions.

This trend will continue across the region, with the fire hazard predicted to rise accordingly.

Some cloudy periods, with a risk of thunderstorms, are forecast close to the Ontario/Manitoba border for today (June 1).

Kenora Fire #36 remains the only active fire in the region, and no new fires were reported by yesterday evening.

The Kenora blaze is now classed as “under control” at 588.0 hectares in size.

Infrared scanning for hot spots continues on the lightning-caused fire and contract fire crews remain on the fire line, working to put it.

There currently are no fire restrictions in place in the Northwest Region but the public is cautioned that all outdoor fires must be properly managed according to conditions set out in the Forest Fires Prevention Act of Ontario.

People living in municipalities or First Nations’ communities should check with their fire officials before burning as local restrictions may apply.

Meanwhile, as the fire situation begins to ease in the Northeast Region, some resources from the Northwest have returned home, including about seven FireRanger crews and overhead staff, as well as equipment and mobile base camp trailers.

This return of resources will continue through the coming days as they are released from fire duty in the Northeast Region.

A Restricted Fire Zone that had been in effect across the Northeast Region was lifted as of noon yesterday.

Recent rainfall aided suppression efforts on active fires and reduced the overall fire hazard across the region, although some areas remain in a “high” hazard.